Skin Cancer Compensation Claims

A large percentage of Australians would have worked outdoors for large parts of their working lives.

This sun exposure can lead to the development of a skin cancer condition, which is a compensable condition under workers compensation legislation.

Often the condition will emerge many years after a worker has ceased working, but compensation is generally still claimable in these circumstances.

Skin cancer sufferers are often unaware that they have very valuable workers’ compensation entitlements if they have spent a proportion of their working lives outdoors.

Regular medical check-ups are highly recommended for any worker who has substantially worked outdoors. Particular attention should be paid to scabs which do not clear up after a few weeks, newly formed moles, skin discolouration, newly formed growths (especially around the nose or eyes, or on the back of hands), as well as moles which change colour or bleed.

FAQ

What is the fee policy in skin cancer claims?

What is the fee policy in skin cancer claims?

For personal injury claims in the state of New South Wales we act for our clients on a ‘No Win-No Fee’ basis. So in other words unless we recover compensation for our client, we will not charge for our work. Be sure to ask one of our lawyers if you have any questions regarding our fee policy, as conditions do apply.

Who is the skin cancer claim against?

Who is the skin cancer claim against?

If you are still working in an outdoors environment, you may be required to make your claim against your current employer. Should you be retired or unemployed, the claim is required to be made against the last employer who you worked outdoors with.

What am I entitled to claim?

What am I entitled to claim?

You may be entitled to claim a lump sum for your impairment as a result of your skin cancer condition, together with your medical costs associated with the treatment of the condition (for a period of years determined according to the extent of your impairment from the condition).

What if I have also exposed myself to recreational sun exposure?

What if I have also exposed myself to recreational sun exposure?

You will still be able to claim compensation for your skin cancer condition as long as your work-related sun exposure was the main contributing factor to your skin cancer condition.

Can I make a second skin cancer claim?

Can I make a second skin cancer claim?

This will depend upon when you made your first claim, if you have worked outdoors since you made that first claim, and if your condition has significantly deteriorated.

How long will my skin cancer claim take?

How long will my skin cancer claim take?

This will be determined by factors such as how long your doctors take to prepare reports, as well as the initial attitude of the insurance company responsible for your claim. Generally, claims take approximately 6-12months to finalise.

Are there any time limits on making a skin cancer claim?

Are there any time limits on making a skin cancer claim?

No.

How much will I be charged?

How much will I be charged?

Before we commence investigations in skin cancer claims, we first apply to the Workers Compensation Independent Review Office (WIRO) for funding for your claim. You will not be required to pay any legal costs or disbursements. "No Win - No Fee".